Last updated on April 12, 2026
This is an unofficial English translation of important parts from the Penal Code B.E. 2499, updated to 2022. For official use, consult a licensed Thai lawyer or the original Thai text at Krisdika.go.th. Last verified: 2023. Not legal advice. This is to reflect the page related to Murder and Homicide in Thailand.
Table of Contents
- Section 288: Murder
- Section 289: Aggravated Murder
- Section 290: Manslaughter
- Section 291: Negligent Homicide
- Section 292: Causing Death by Negligence in Certain Cases
- Section 293: Causing Death While Committing Another Offense
- Section 294: Attempted Murder
- Section 65: Insanity Defense
- Section 68: Self-Defense, Necessity, and Duress
- Section 72: Extreme Emotional Disturbance
- Section 78: Confession and Remorse (Sentence Reduction)
Section 288: Murder
Whoever commits murder shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life, or imprisonment from fifteen to twenty years.
Section 289: Aggravated Murder
Whoever commits murder under any of the following circumstances shall be punished with death:
- Killing an ascendant;
- Killing an official in the exercise of their duties;
- Killing a person who is assisting or has assisted an official;
- Premeditated murder;
- Murder by torture or acts of cruelty;
- Killing to facilitate or conceal another offense;
- Killing to secure benefits from another offense or to escape punishment.
Section 290: Manslaughter
Whoever causes death by inflicting bodily harm without intent to cause death shall be punished with imprisonment from three to fifteen years. If the act is committed with a weapon or in a manner likely to cause death, the punishment shall be imprisonment from three to twenty years.
Section 291: Negligent Homicide
Whoever causes death by negligence shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding ten years and a fine not exceeding twenty thousand baht.
Section 292: Causing Death by Negligence in Certain Cases
If the negligence is due to recklessness or gross negligence, the punishment shall be increased accordingly, up to the limits in Section 291.
Section 293: Causing Death While Committing Another Offense
Whoever causes death while committing another offense punishable by imprisonment shall be punished as if the death was intentional, but with reduced penalties at the court’s discretion.
Section 294: Attempted Murder
Whoever attempts to commit murder shall be punished with two-thirds of the penalty prescribed for the completed offense.
Section 65: Insanity Defense
No punishment shall be inflicted on a person who commits an offense while insane or unable to understand the nature or wrongfulness of the act due to mental disorder. If partially impaired, the court may reduce the punishment.
Section 68: Self-Defense, Necessity, and Duress
An act committed in lawful self-defense, necessity, or under duress (not caused by the actor) shall not be punishable, provided it is proportionate and unavoidable.
Section 72: Extreme Emotional Disturbance
If an offense is committed under extreme emotional disturbance that impairs judgment, the court may impose a punishment lower than prescribed.
Section 78: Confession and Remorse (Sentence Reduction)
If the offender confesses and shows remorse, assisting the investigation, the court may reduce the punishment by up to one-half.
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